*tap* *tap*
Charlotte's heels echoed against the polished stone pathway in the front garden.
As she walked forward, the line of guards stationed along the entrance straightened immediately.
One by one, they lowered their heads in acknowledgment, with the kind of respect reserved for someone whose presence carried weight far beyond titles.
Charlotte's cloak swayed gently behind her and the mansion doors opened before her, pulled by two servants who bowed as she crossed the threshold.
Walking in, she took a cigarette and lit it up and placed on her lips before entering the mainhall.
In the hall, twin staircases curved upward along opposite walls, meeting at a balcony adorned with golden railings.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling and panitings of past Vernhail matriarchs loomed from the walls.
And then Charlotte's eyes settled on the woman who was sitting on the center couch.
